PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

'CASODEX' TABLETS 50 mg

(bicalutamide)

The information in this leaflet applies only to your medicine, 'Casodex' 50 mg.

Please read this leaflet carefully before you take your medicine.

It gives you important information but it can't tell you everything.

If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR MEDICINE

The name of your medicine is 'Casodex' Tablets 50 mg.

Each tablet contains 50 mg of the active ingredient bicalutamide.

Your medicine also contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, macrogol 300, povidone, carboxymethyl amidon sodium and titanium dioxide.

'Casodex' tablets are produced in packs of 28 tablets.

Bicalutamide is one of a group of drugs called anti-androgens.

It interferes with some of the actions of the male sex hormones.

BEFORE TAKING YOUR MEDICINE

'Casodex' must not be taken by women or children.

Do not take 'Casodex' if you have previously had an allergic reaction to it.

Do you have liver problems? If so, tell your doctor.

Are you taking any other medicines including those which you have bought? In particular, are you taking oral anti-coagulants (to prevent blood clots), some anti-histamines (terfenadine or astemizole), cisapride (for some types of indigestion), cyclosporin (to suppress your immune system) or calcium channel blockers (to treat high blood pressure or some heart conditions)? If so, tell your doctor.

Before using 'Casodex', consult your doctor if you are taking any other medicine prescribed or otherwise.

If you go into hospital, let the medical staff know you are taking 'Casodex'.

Your medicine is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or to operate machinery. However, some people may occasionally feel drowsy when taking 'Casodex'. If this happens to you, you should exercise caution when carrying out such tasks.

TAKING YOUR MEDICINE

Follow your doctor's instructions about when and how to take your medicine. Also read the label. Your pharmacist can also help if you are not sure.

The usual dosage of 'Casodex' is one tablet daily. Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Try to take your tablet at the same time each day.

If you forget to take your medicine, take your dose when you remember and then take your next dose at the usual time. Don't take two doses at the same time. If you are worried, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you take more than your normal dose, contact your doctor. In the case of an overdose, contact the nearest hospital immediately.

 

Do not stop taking your tablets, even if you are feeling well, unless your doctor tells you.

AFTER TAKING YOUR MEDICINE

Like all medicines, 'Casodex' 50mg can have side effects.

Contact your doctor or seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Serious breathlessness, or sudden worsening of breathlessness, possibly with a cough or fever. Some patients taking 'Casodex' 50mg get an inflammation of the lungs called interstitial lung disease. This side effect is uncommon.
• Severe itching of the skin (with raised lumps) or swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing. These reactions to 'Casodex' 50mg are uncommon.

Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects bother you:

Side effects that are very common:

• tender or enlarged breast tissue
• hot flushes

Side effects that are common:

• nausea
• diarrhoea
• itching
• feeling weak
• yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)

Side effects that are rare:

• vomiting
• dry skin
• chest pain or palpitations

Occasionally, 'Casodex' 50mg may be associated with changes in your blood which may require your doctor to do certain blood tests.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible effects. You may not have any of them.

If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.

STORING YOUR MEDICINE

Check the expiry date on the carton and do not use the medicine after that date.

Keep your tablets in the container they came in.

Keep your medicine in a safe place where children cannot see it or reach it. Your medicine could harm them.

Do not store above 30°C.

If your doctor decides to stop treatment, return any left-over tablets to your pharmacist. Only keep them if the doctor tells you to.

FURTHER INFORMATION

This leaflet does not contain the complete information on 'Casodex'. If you have any questions, or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Remember: This medicine is for you. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you. Never give it to someone else. It may harm them even if their symptoms are the same as yours.